Bill > S444

This bill amends Section 39F of chapter 129 of the General Laws to grant individuals who are raising or training service animals, including hearing, guide, or assistance dogs and animals, the same rights and privileges as individuals with disabilities. Specifically, it ensures that these trainers have equal access and are afforded the same protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination based on disability, and the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prevent discrimination in housing and federally funded programs, respectively. This means that people training service animals can bring them into public places and housing without being denied access, mirroring the protections available to those who rely on service animals for their own disabilities.